Space Heater Safety Tips, How to Use a Space Heater Safely from Advantage Air HVAC
At Advantage Air HVAC, we know that many folks in our region use space heaters occasionally during the winter months. Space heaters are a fast and easy way to warm a specific area of your home quickly. Space heaters can be a lifesaver during an extreme cold snap or if your furnace breaks down. Unfortunately, improper use of space heaters accounts for 43% of house fires, but the risk of fire decreases substantially if you follow some basic safety tips.
- Check your heater to ensure it has a safety certification label from a respected independent testing lab, such as Intertek or CSA Group. Manufacturers run testing on heaters, but an independent lab is not interested in passing a heater that may not be 100% safe to use.
- Use a space heater with built-in safety features. If your heater begins to overheat or tips over, you want it to shut off automatically to help prevent a fire.
- Plug your space heater directly into a wall outlet. Avoid using power strips or extension cords with space heaters as these devices can overheat when being used to power space heaters.
- Place your heater at least three feet away from flammable items, such as curtains, bedding, and clothing. Also, make sure your heater is out of the way of traffic in your home so it doesn’t become a tripping hazard.
- Your space heater should never be accessible to children or pets. This creates both a burn and trip hazard.
- A level surface is the only surface your heater should be on. A space heater on an unlevel surface can easily tip and cause a fire.
- Always have the cord to your heater within view. Running the cord underneath furniture or rugs increases the fire hazard, as you will not be able to see if the cord has become damaged in any way.
- Never leave your space heater unattended. Always remain close by while it is running and turn it off before going to sleep.
- If your space heater or its cord is hot to the touch, shut it off and unplug it immediately. Don’t use the heater again until you’ve had it repaired, or consider replacing it, especially if it is an older model. Do not donate the heater or pass it on to someone else.
- Keep an eye on your space heater to ensure it’s in good working order. You’ll want to check for fraying power cords, loose connections, and damaged prongs. Should the unit itself ever become damaged or cracked, it’s better to be safe than sorry and discontinue its use.
Contact Us
By following these ten safety tips, you are much less likely to encounter problems when using a space heater. You are always welcome to speak to one of our professional technicians if you have any questions or concerns regarding your space heater or home furnace unit. With over three decades of industry experience, you can rely on our team to assist you with any HVAC issue at any time. We’re located in Lexington, KY, and are happy to serve Versailles, Winchester, Georgetown, Paris, Wilmore, Nicholasville, and the surrounding area. Call us at (859) 559-6409, or contact us here online to discuss your needs with a member of our team.
